Floating ideas at the World Cafe were, (from left) Alison Holmes, of Reprodux green' printers, Annie Samwells, of Ethos retail, Elaine Brook, of Greenlinks, and Cynthia Spaull, city centre manager. 081204-1.
HEREFORDSHIRE businesses held a World Cafe as part of their aim to reduce energy use and help turn around the county's economy.
Ideas stemming from the Courtyard Theatre event included redeveloping the city's Butter Market into a local food outlet, along with getting children involved in recycling issues, and making sure the Edgar Street Grid (ESG) is a good example of sustainable development.
Herefordshire Greenlinks staged the event, which included round-table discussions on how to develop a vibrant local economy in the face of issues such as rising energy costs, the credit crunch and increasing competition from out-of-town shopping complexes.
And a new group was formed on the day featuring seven small businesses who all agreed to co-operate with each other providing mutual support and encouragement.
Hereford's city centre manager Cynthia Spaull was among the 60 or so at the Cafe.
"My hope is that the Butter Market in High Town can be redeveloped into a local food outlet for residents and visitors to enjoy, and we are looking forward to working with Greenlinks on this," she said.
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Other ideas included the recycling of business waste and making Hereford plastic bag free.
Greenlinks is an ethical business association working throughout Herefordshire to create a strong network of county businesses.
The project has more than 300 members on board, including local farmers, small retailers, and those involved in food production, recycling and Fairtrade.
Elaine Brook, who co-ordinated the World Cafe for Herefordshire Greenlinks, said: "The local economy used to be a strong base for a healthy community.
"Everyone was included because everyone needs to buy food, repair their house, and find transport.
"We need to rebuild this economic base because it keeps money in the community."
For further information on Herefordshire Greenlinks, call 0845 458 4718 or visit www.herefordshiregreenlinks.info
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